Whitehall Sources
By Calum Macdonald
Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Kirsty Buchanan worked with Theresa May as PM, and Liz Truss when she was Secretary of State. Frankie Leach advised Jeremy Corbyn when he was Labour Leader. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work.
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Latest episode
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The Month of Own Goals
Defection, Swinney and Antisemitism on Campus -
The Local Elections wash up
We discuss the local elections in the UK and their implications for the Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak. We consider the impact of immigration on the elections, the performance of Sadiq Khan in the mayoral election in London, the role of personali… -
Local Elections and the £3000 trip to Rwanda
It's the eve of local elections across England and Wales, and Calum and Kirsty give the rundown on what to expect, and what they really mean. Plus as Humza Yousaf announces his resignation as First Minister, and John Swinney or Kate Forbes tipped to … -
Westminster Gossip, The Bute House Agreement and Rail
Kirsty's got fresh gossip from all of her swanky Westminster events about the timing of an election; Calum explains why Humza Yousaf might not be First Minister of Scotland for much longer; and will Labour be the Government to finally improve rail se… -
Another Tory Scandal, Drunk dogs, ping pong and Liz Truss's book
We're joined by James Price.The conversation covers various topics including the investigation into Conservative MP Mark Menzies, standards in public life, and the ongoing debate over the Rwanda deportation bill. The host… -
UK Weapons Supplies to Israel and Four Years of Keir Starmer
Kirsty and Calum discuss the messaging around sending weapons to Israel after several aid workers - including three British people - were killed by the Israel Defence Forces. Plus, as Sir Keir Starmer rides high in the polls, what else should we reme… -
How hard is it to be Prime Minister? And Privatisation
Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including water companies and privatisation, Angela Rayner and housing questions, and Rishi Sunak's recent interview with William Hague. They also explore the challenges and optimism faced by being Prime Minist… -
Psychodrama, Rwanda, Potholes
Conservative psychodrama: qu'est ce que? Can the Rwanda Bill make it out of Parliament? Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves gives another pragmatism-first speech: but has she wowed us yet? And is the mounting number of potholes in roads the perfect examp… -
How To Fix Government
The centre of government has failed successive prime ministers. That's according to the Institute for Government think tank, which outlines 7 recommendations for "radical reform" to make our government function better. Programme Director Ale… -
A Missed Opportunity? The Budget
Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Chris Ward discuss the budget.Kirsty was a Special Adviser to Theresa May and Chris was an adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, working on several budgets with the Labour leader.